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Skinner regrets Strictly as he 'never fitted the bill'

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 4:28 GMT by RTE Online
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Skinner Regrets Strictly as He Never Fitted the Bill

In a rare candid interview with RTÉ Entertainment, long‑time Irish indie‑rock musician and frontman for the quartet The Rough Drafts, Mark Skinner opens up about a career‑defining moment he feels he let slip through his fingers. “I was offered a slot at Electric Picnic last year, but my style never quite fitted the bill,” Skinner said. “I’m still grumbling about that decision.”

Mark Skinner, born in Cork in 1987, grew up on a mix of folk and synth‑pop, a background that later gave his music a unique hybrid sound. He rose to prominence in 2014 with the debut album Blue & Grey, an eclectic blend of jangly guitars, lo‑fi beats, and introspective lyrics. The record’s single “Midnight Train” reached the top 20 on the Irish Singles Chart and earned him the Meteor Award for Best New Act in 2015.

Over the past decade, Skinner’s music has evolved, pushing boundaries with experimental tracks such as “Starlight Drip” and the 2019 EP Futures & Fears. While his fanbase has stayed loyal, critics have praised his refusal to conform to mainstream pop conventions. “He’s always been strict about his artistic integrity,” noted music journalist Lisa O’Connor in a 2023 Irish Times profile. “That’s why the Electric Picnic offer seemed both exciting and terrifying.”

The Electric Picnic offer came after the festival’s line‑up team spotted a rough mix of Skinner’s new single “Echoes” on SoundCloud. The festival, known for its diverse roster ranging from indie rock to world music, was looking for acts that could bring a fresh perspective. Skinner, however, was hesitant. “I was comfortable with my niche,” he explained. “The festival’s vibe felt a little too broad for me at that point.” When he finally accepted, his set was scheduled for a mid‑afternoon slot, but the festival’s production team later informed him that the space had been reallocated for a heavier sound. “They said I didn’t fit the bill,” Skinner recounted, shaking his head.

In a gesture that surprised many of his fans, Skinner decided to drop the set entirely, citing a lack of fit with the festival’s “edgy, high‑energy” aesthetic. The decision was a turning point. “I regret that decision strictly,” he admitted. “I think I should have pushed for a different slot or collaborated with another act.” He also reflected on how his own strictness—both in terms of sound and schedule—has sometimes worked against him. “I’ve learned that strictness can be both a gift and a curse,” Skinner said.

The interview also touched on Skinner’s current projects. He’s reportedly working on a full‑length album slated for release next summer, titled Shores, which promises to merge his folk roots with new electronic textures. Skinner has hinted at collaborations with a few of his long‑time touring mates, hoping to broaden his sonic palette. “This time I want to fit the bill in a way that feels true to me,” he said, a statement that resonated with the band’s fans on social media.

Following the interview, fans took to RTÉ’s online forum to debate Skinner’s decision. Some praised his honesty, while others felt he had missed a career‑boosting opportunity. The conversation was moderated by RTÉ’s editor, who encouraged respectful dialogue. “We’re proud of Mark for speaking up,” the editor noted in a comment. “It shows that he values the integrity of his art over commercial gain.”

For those wanting to explore Skinner’s body of work, the interview’s transcript includes a link to his official website, where listeners can stream Blue & Grey, Futures & Fears, and the new EP Shores. It also directs readers to a behind‑the‑scenes video of Skinner’s first The Voice Ireland audition, available on RTÉ’s streaming platform.

In closing, Skinner reflects on his future plans: “I’m not looking to fit any particular bill,” he said. “I just want to create music that speaks to people and keeps my own head in the game.” Whether he’ll ever find a festival lineup that feels just right remains to be seen, but the conversation sparked by this interview has already opened a new dialogue about artistic integrity versus commercial opportunity within the Irish music scene.